In this quote, Francis Crawford of Lymond proposes that to maintain peace and avoid upsetting their friends, they should interact with a level of straightforward politeness or harsh courtesy. This approach aims to create a respectful atmosphere without necessarily resolving underlying tensions or distrust.

He emphasizes that practicing brutal courtesy doesn’t have to eliminate their mutual suspicion; instead, it allows them to coexist peacefully while preserving their mistrust. Lymond suggests that such an approach can help manage relationships without forcing transparency or complete understanding.